Proteas to go pink for India

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Johannesburg - Cricket South Africa (CSA) have announced that the ODI between the Proteas and India on December 5 at the Wanderers will be set aside as a Pink Day in support of breast cancer awareness.

According to a statement released by CSA, this initiative and fund-raising drive supports PinkDrive, an organisation committed to improving breast cancer education and awareness, and to providing preventative screening services to women across South Africa.

The ‘Go Pink!’ initiative encourages supporters to wear pink to the cricket match to show their support for and raise awareness of breast cancer.

Fans wearing pink to the match will assist Bidvest and Momentum in setting a new record for the most people wearing a single colour, in one place in support of a specific cause.

Supporters, who do not have a ‘pink wardrobe’ are welcome to visit one of the Shop4Cancer stands within the stadium’s Pink Zones, where they can ‘pimp themselves pink’.

To show their support, the Proteas will again be playing in an all-pink kit for this specific match.

With the match at the start of end-of-year school holidays, supporters and their families can expect many fun activities throughout the day.

The best-dressed child under 12 will hand over the Man of the Match trophy and the best-dressed family will get to meet and greet a few of the Proteas after the match.

Aside from the co-sponsorship of this initiative, Bidvest will also be further adding to the cause by supporting the PinkDrive with an additional R1 000 for every four scored during the game as well as R4 000 for every six recorded by either team.

The company’s support of this initiative is in line with its corporate social investment strategy, says Sofia Lanuza, head of marketing at Bidvest.

“As a proudly South African company we are keenly aware of how important it is to support causes such as the PinkDrive.

"We select partners who create an impact on communities and channel maximum benefit to those in need throughout the country.

"Once again, we are proud to be able to assist raising awareness for breast cancer and we hope that South Africans will come away from this initiative not only entertained but educated about breast cancer.”

Danie van den Bergh, Momentum head of brand said: “Momentum’s purpose to help improve the Financial Wellness of all South Africans includes attention to physical well-being too.

"The impact of dread diseases devastates families, and the financial strain without adequate provision can be catastrophic.

"Being sick and unhealthy can cost a fortune. Having a rainy day, financial plan in place means that families can focus on recovery.

"Early detection remains crucial for survival, so supporting breast cancer awareness on Pink Day is our way of showing our support for those touched by this horrible disease”.

For every six hit during the match into the Momentum Family Area, Momentum will donate R10 000 to PinkDrive and for any direct hit on to the inflated ‘M’ in the Momentum Family Area, R100 000 will be donated.

“Cricket has a broader responsibility within society and this is one of our most important social campaigns,” commented CSA chief executive, Haroon Lorgat.

“The previous PinkDrive ODI we hosted against Pakistan earlier this year was a huge success and we achieved our dual aim of raising awareness for breast cancer and raising funds for this worthy cause.

“I have always been impressed by the support from the cricket community and I am sure that our fans will once again rally behind this most worthwhile cause. Everyone involved deserves special thanks for their support of this smart initiative.”

“The Wanderers Stadium was proud to introduce the Pink Day almost two years ago and this has become a highlight in our annual cricket calendar.

"This further re-affirms that cricket is more than just a sport and that as a cricket family we stand together for this great cause as we support our national team.

"I look forward to seeing all from around Johannesburg uniting for a purpose and enjoying a memorable day alongside the cricket field,” says Greg Fredericks, CEO of the Gauteng Cricket Board.

Castle Lager, the Proteas ODI team sponsor, has also put their backing behind the Pink Day initiative.

“Castle Lager will contribute R100 for every run scored by the Proteas squad in the first ODI against India at the Wanderers Stadium as well as R400 for each 4 scored and R600 for each 6 that crosses the boundary,” commented Alastair Hewitt, general manager of Castle Lager.

The general public, families and friends, cricket and general sport lovers, people affected by breast cancer, and young and old alike are all encouraged topledge their support towards the Go Pink initiative.

In addition, to wearing pink at the match, people can also get involved by donating R20 to PinkDrive by simply sending an SMS to 40158 with the keyword ‘PINKDRIVE’ to help raise the necessary funds for mammogram trucks, breast check units and accompanying awareness campaigns.Proteas in pink. (CSA)

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